Macclesfield have been dealt a blow by the FA, who have refused to overturn Nat Brown’s red card.

The appeals panel decided on Tuesday that the centre-back’s dismissal, for his part in an unseemly tangle with Swindon’s Aden Flint was justified and Brown was therefore ineligible for Macc’s midweek trip to AFC Wimbledon, as well as forthcoming League Two games against Cheltenham and Northampton.

It’s the third time this season that, despite having a strong case, the club has fallen foul of the panel, after appeals against Vinny Mukendi’s ordering-off at Burton Albion and the red card issued to Ross Draper at Barnet were dismissed out of hand.

"It was sort of expected, said manager Gary Simpson ahead of his depleted squad’s visit to AFC Wimbledon. "We thought we had a case that Browny was trying to get to his feet, the linesman flagged and said it was violent conduct and that he has stamped on him.

"But they were both on the floor at the time.

"We sought out advice from the referees’ top man who said we had a case but if I’m honest we didn’t really hold out much hope."

"We’ve appealed against things in the past and as far as we can see it’s pointless.

"We even slow the frames down on the video and we give them the evidence and yet it still comes back from the FA that the referee hasn’t made a mistake. "I’m on the same wavelength as quite a lot of managers are, and that is that it’s a complete and utter waste of time.

"I honestly don’t mind people making a mistake in the heat of the moment but turning down these appeals just compound the problem."

Although club captain Paul Morgan will be ready to step in, Brown’s suspension is another selection blow Simpson could well do without.

Lewis Chalmers is recovering from a hernia operation, Sam Wedgbury was to have the same procedure on Tuesday, and Ross Draper is still nursing a broken metatarsal.

"With Ben Tomlinson (foot) and Colin Daniel (back) definitely out and George Donnelly facing a late fitness test at the Dons, Simpson admitted: "We’re down to the bare bones. I’m sure Morgs will be ready, but we’re obviously struggling for fit players."